Hoops

 

We are in the midst of basketball season in the Jorgensen house. I love it. My big boys are being active, we get to watch games each week and the little ones get to cheer on their brothers. It’s fun to get out in our community and meet new people too. Since the boys are homeschooled, it’s a good opportunity for them to learn how to interact with all different kinds of boys, not just the homeschooled, church going kind.

This is Nathan’s first year and so far, he’s doing great! He tries hard and has the basic concept of the game. He’s even scored a basket already. We just need to work on his offensive game. He tends to be unsure of what he’s doing when he gets the ball.

This is Jacob’s second year playing. He understands the game much more this time. He too has already scored a basket and is good at engaging the ball. Of course, soccer is still his first love but it’s good that he is playing other team sports as well.

GO TEAM!!!!

Snapshots From Our Trip Home

We recently took a vacation back to our home state, Arizona. Anyone who travels with kids knows that vacation with your kids isn’t always relaxing. But, to visit so many of our family and friends, was worth it!

Both Ian and I grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona. We love coming home to where we’re from. I think no matter how long we live in Texas, Arizona will still be what we call “home”. We have family spread out all over the state. So our visit has many destinations and various homes that we’re privileged to stay in.

Our first stop was Tucson.

The first morning we arrived there was snow on Mt Lemon and it was amazing! What a sight coming from our slightly above sea level home. We enjoyed time with Grammy and Pop-pop and even Great Grandpa who came to see us.

Next, we moved to Ian’s brother Joel’s house and had a lovely visit with his family. We got to see old friends from way back, meet his sister’s sweet adopted children and see the most Christmas decked out neighborhood ever!

The other Jorgensen’s also took us hiking in Sabino Canyon. Oh my how I missed nature, hiking and the fresh air! It was so gorgeous. The boys were in heaven romping around the trails with their cousins.

I even had time to squeeze in pedi’s with my nieces. Two of them had never had their toes done before and it was such a treat for me to be with them. Having four boys myself, I am always in need of some girl time

After that, we made our way up the hill to chilly Flagstaff. We stayed with my mom and got to see my sisters and brother. We had a wonderful time visiting with Ian’s parents who were in town as well. Ian got to spend some time with his brother, Brandon and I got to hang out with my friend, Elizabeth. It was so wonderful being with people who have known us and loved us so long.

Grammy and G-Daddy and a few of the Carsey cousins.

Christmas Eve with cousin Aiden (and the matching pj’s from Aunt Lindsey)

Of course we enjoyed the time with family but the real star of our trip was the beautiful snow! The boys loved playing everyday in it. They had fun sledding in it with my mom and sister as well. Coming from our sub-tropical climate, this was a real treat for us.

We enjoyed our time and visit so much, we rarely get to do that. Seeing family was such a joy for us. At the end of the trip, as we made our way back home, we reflected on our time in Arizona. While feeling so grateful for the love of family members, we realized, this is our family now. Ian, Angie, Jacob, Nathan, Austin and Evan. We have made our own decisions, choices and lifestyles that make us our own little family. It’s what the Bible refers to and “leaving and cleaving”. As you grow up and move on, you start your own family dynamic and memories. So, we made our way back home to our life in Pearland, knowing that we are truly blessed with extended family and yet, so happy to return to the ins and outs of our own little family and the community around us here.

My Top Twelve

As we welcome 2013, we look back at all the Lord was doing in the Jorgensen family in 2012. Some good, some bad, some fun, some hard but ALL things completely in His good plan for His own glory.

My favorite pictures for 2012 came both from my fancy camera and my camera phone. So here are my top twelve.

Number 12

In 2012 I got lots of snuggles from my sweet baby Evan. His first year of life went by so fast but we are so thankful God blessed us with a fourth son to love and hold!

 

Number 11

My sister made these adorable shirts for each of my boys and they loved them. I love this picture because somehow, I got each of the boys dressed and ready for the day and coordinating to boot! It was the little accomplishments that mattered this year

Number 10

In 2012 we added another member to our family. Our chocolate lab Daisy. The boys had so much fun watching such a little puppy grow. However, its no secret that I’m not a fan of housebreaking pets but the boys were great at helping train this little one. She’s a great family pet and we love her.

Number 9

My mom and baby sister came to visit us in April. We had a blast with them! I just love this picture of the boys playing with her on the beach. They were perfectly content and it was such a joy watching my boys with my mom.

Number 8

Austin turned three years old in 2012. It seems like he has really turned a corner with this milestone. His language, understanding, manners and sweetness has improved this year. We are so thankful that God gives us the grace and the wisdom we need to parent each of these boys well. I took him out back for his birthday pictures and I liked this shot even though its not the typical yearly picture.

Number 7

This one doesn’t need many words. It’s the joy of summertime in one shot!

Number 6

I like my camera. I like playing with my camera. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. There was one day when the light was shinning so perfectly on Evan and I was able to snap it before he moved. Just look at those chubby cheeks and arms. So adorable!

Number 5

I love this shot of Evan. He was just learning to pull up and we were at our favorite place, Camp Tejas. It was a great day with our sweet boys and great friends too.

Number 4

It’s such a sweet shot. Summertime with Dad in the pool. The boys all time favorite activity with Dad, being tossed around!

Number 3

Anytime I can get all 4 of my boys looking and/or smiling at the camera, it’s bound to be a favorite picture of mine. Look at how handsome they are!

Number 2

While this picture wasn’t taken during a happy time in our life, I still think it’s cool. We were taking Ian to one of his very many doctor appointments located downtown in the medical center. The boys were marveling at the city life outside the window. Even though this was a difficult time for our family, we look back and are filled with gratefulness that God protected Ian during his car accident. That the boys still have their super Dad and I still have my dear husband.

Number 1

This may not seem like a typical number one. A friend of ours, Ronnie Bennett, took some family pictures for us this fall and they were absolutely beautiful. All of them deserved a number one spot but this one means so much to me. As I stated above, we thought we were going to loose Ian for a little while. In a moment, I had to face the possibility of not having him as my husband, and that was hard. Things haven’t always been easy for us and most of that is not post worthy but what I will say is that God is good all of the time. Sometimes, hard things happen in our life but even still His plans for us are for good. I’m thankful for this journey we’ve been on together for the last 12 years. I’ve learned that relationships aren’t ultimately for our own satisfaction but to teach us more about the One who loves us perfectly.  I’m so happy to still have him to cherish.